Former Christ School star Marshall Plumlee (blocking shot) is getting more playing time for Duke, including a career-high 19 minutes last week against Syracuse.

Written by

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus - and this year, he doubles as the ACC schedule-maker.

First, let's give the 12th-ranked Cavaliers (23-5, 14-1) their due - they are the best defensive team in the ACC, do a great job of dictating and controlling tempo and have improved their conference and overall record in each of the past four seasons under coach Tony Bennett.

They've won 11 straight games in league play, hold a one-game lead over Syracuse with three to play and control their destiny in search of just their second outright regular-season conference title in 61 years in the ACC. ...